Yeti SB140 C2 GX Lunch Ride [Rider Review]

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The Yeti SB140 is a quiver-killer of a bike. We love the bike here at Worldwide. But, don't listen to us, see what one of our customers thinks!!

Overview

I’ve been into bikes for most of my life, but got into trail riding specifically about 4 years ago with the purchase of a used 2021 Nukeproof Reactor C. Great bike and my first “real” trail bike. But after 4 years and picking up some decent skills along the way, it was time for something new. Plus, with a second trail bike, I wouldn’t have to sit around when my only bike was in the shop. After months of researching a few different models to death, I decided to go big with the Yeti SB140. As we all know, they’re not exactly budget-friendly, and I didn’t have access to an authorized dealer in my area for a test ride, so it was a pretty big roll of the dice to see if it really is the do-it-all all-trail bike that all the reviews I read and watched said it is. I was not disappointed. It’s an awesome top-tier bike for trail riders of all levels.  The SB140 delivers an exceptional riding experience, combining agile handling, better-than-expected efficient climbing, and confidence-inspiring descending capabilities.

Geometry: Works for me

I’m not a “geometry guy” at all, or at least I wasn’t, but when you’re riding it, you can feel that Yeti got it right with the SB140. It puts you in a position that feels really stable, and that made me want to look at the numbers. It has a 65.4° head tube angle (Large) and a 77.5° seat tube angle, giving it a slightly slack feel on descents while maintaining quick handling when needed. It’s a good balance between the aggressiveness of a downhill bike and the poppy responsiveness of a shorter travel trail bike.

The reach is a little longer than previous generations, which gives it more stability without giving up agility. This is obvious in the bike’s ability to whip around tight turns and its responsiveness when on flowy singletrack.

The wheelbase is a little long for a 140mm-travel bike, but it gives you a grounded, planted feeling at higher speeds. This geometry doesn’t just shine in straight-line stability but also makes it balanced enough for fast cornering without feeling overly twitchy.

Cornering: Quick and Stable

Where the SB140 truly shines is in its cornering ability. The combination of the slack head angle, short chainstays, and low center of gravity gives the bike an agile, but stable feel in the corners. Whether you’re taking wide arcs around berms or threading the needle through tight, technical switchbacks, the SB140 makes it easy to carry speed and hold lines with confidence. The suspension is tuned to stay active throughout the corner, absorbing chatter and maintaining contact with the ground, which allows you to rail corners without that feeling of losing grip and/or control.

The rear suspension features Yeti's signature Switch Infinity system, which keeps the rear wheel glued to the ground. This gives the bike awesome grip and support in turns, especially on loose terrain. The suspension stays responsive without feeling overly plush, making sure the rear end doesn’t get bogged down in corners, keeping the bike light on its feet (or wheels).

Climbing Ability: Efficient and Smooth

On the climbs, the SB140 is great at efficiently converting pedal power into forward motion.  Despite its slack geometry, the bike feels surprisingly capable when climbing. The steep seat tube angle provides a comfortable pedaling position, which makes longer climbs more manageable. The Switch Infinity system plays a crucial role in keeping the suspension platform firm under power, preventing unwanted sag that could make pedaling feel inefficient.

Even on technical climbs, the SB140’s rear suspension remains supportive, providing just enough compliance to handle roots and rocks without feeling wallowy. On smoother sections, the SB140 climbs efficiently here too, with very little pedal bob, and it’s easy to maintain momentum even on longer, sustained climbs. While it's not quite as good at climbing as some more XC-oriented bikes, it strikes a nice balance, providing enough traction and support for riders who like to tackle a mix of terrain.

It's quiet

Something that stands out on the SB140 is the surprising quietness of the DT Swiss wheels and hubs. Yeti must have made a conscious effort to reduce noise, which I prefer, and it shows. The hubs spin smoothly, and the freehub engagement is quick without being overly loud. This makes for a more serene experience on the trail, especially in areas with lots of technical features where the constant “buzzing” sound of higher engagement hubs can be distracting.

The quietness adds a layer of stealth to the bike, allowing you to focus on the trail without the constant hum of hubs drowning out the sounds of the woods. This, for me, adds to the overall ride experience, making the bike feel more refined and less intrusive on longer rides.

Final Thoughts

The 2023 Yeti SB140 is an awesome trail bike that combines good geometry with excellent cornering, efficient climbing, and surprisingly quiet wheels and hubs. It’s stable on descents while remaining playful and responsive when navigating tight trails. The Switch Infinity suspension system provides a seamless ride, whether you're railing berms or conquering tough climbs. For trail junkies looking for a versatile, high-performance bike that can handle everything from technical ascents to fast, aggressive descents, the SB140 is definitely sure to impress and will not disappoint.